After you start Nginx Proxy Manager, open its admin page in a browser on port 81, for example http://your-server-ip:81. Current versions show a setup screen where you create the first admin account with your own name, email address and password. Older versions instead created a default admin account with a placeholder example email address and the password changeme, and asked you to change both at first sign-in. Either way, set strong credentials of your own before you expose anything to the internet.
Quick Answer
Start the container, browse to port 81 on the server, and create the first admin user on the setup screen. On older versions, sign in with the documented default account and change the email and password immediately.
Steps to Get Started
- Install Docker and Docker Compose on the server.
- Create a
docker-compose.ymlfile using the official image, mapping ports 80, 443 and 81, plus volumes for./dataand./letsencrypt. - Run
docker compose up -d. The first start generates keys and sets up the database, which can take a couple of minutes. - Open
http://server-ip:81in a browser on the same network. - Fill in the setup form to create your admin account and save. On older versions, sign in with the default account and follow the prompt to replace its details.
- Add your first Proxy Host: enter the domain, the internal IP and port of the service, then request a free SSL certificate on the SSL tab.
Skip the Setup Screen (Optional)
For automated installs, the project’s advanced configuration lets you set the INITIAL_ADMIN_EMAIL and INITIAL_ADMIN_PASSWORD environment variables in the compose file. The first user is then created on startup. Store these values securely and don’t commit them to a public repository.
Ports at a Glance
| Port | Purpose | Expose publicly? |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | HTTP traffic and certificate checks | Yes |
| 443 | HTTPS traffic | Yes |
| 81 | Admin interface | No, keep it on your local network or VPN |
Troubleshooting
- “Invalid email or password” on a new install: Check which version you’re running. Newer versions have no default account, so create one on the setup screen. If a setup was half-finished, stop the container, back up the data folder and check the project’s GitHub issues for your version.
- Page won’t load on port 81: Confirm the container is running with
docker psand that a firewall isn’t blocking the port. - Restrict who can reach a site: See setting up an access list.
- Route paths to different services: See custom locations.
- Running it on a Windows PC? See installing Docker on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the admin email later?
Yes. Open Users in the admin interface, edit your account and save.
Should port 81 be open to the internet?
No. Keep the admin page on your local network or behind a VPN, and proxy only the services you mean to publish.
Does it support two-factor sign-in?
Features vary by version. Check the release notes for your version, and use a long unique password regardless.
Summary
- Start the container with ports 80, 443 and 81.
- Browse to port 81.
- Create your own admin account, or replace the old default one.
- Add a proxy host and SSL certificate.
- Keep the admin port private.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.